<em>Cotoneaster</em>: planting, pruning, care

Description and botany

Genus Cotoneaster comprises around 200 species, ranging from bush species to groundcover species, most often evergreen (Cotoneaster lacteus and Cotoneaster franchetii), deciduous for some species (Cotoneaster horizontalis) or semi-persistent (Cotoneaster suecicus). Only a few species are commonly grown in gardens. Specialist nurseries may also offer rarer cotoneasters such as the small prostrate Cotoneaster adpressus or Cotoneaster lucidus.
All belong to family Rosaceae and originate from woodland or rocky areas of northern Europe, Asia and North Africa.

Cotoneaster is an erect or completely prostrate bush, depending on species. Erect and spreading, with arching branches for Cotoneaster franchetii, bushier and more horizontal with branches arranged in a herringbone pattern for Cotoneaster horizontalis, for Cotoneaster microphylla or entirely prostrate in Cotoneaster dammeri. Branching is more or less ramified depending on species and varieties. Cut branches of Cotoneaster apiculatus give off a delightful cherry scent.

Its growth is medium to fast even in poor soils and height varies from 15 cm to 4 m depending on whether plant is creeping, medium-sized or large (2 to 5 m in all directions). Pruning and habit will determine its use.

Smaller forms such as Cotoneaster horizontalis or microphylla are highly prized by bonsai enthusiasts.

Cotoneaster franchetii – botanical illustration

All display an attractive spread with considerable ground cover, sometimes up to 4–5 m or more because some creeping species tend to layer naturally, readily colonising banks or hard-to-reach areas. Some have naturalised in many countries such as Australia and California where they are now considered invasive.

Cotoneaster forms dense, attractive bushy clumps valued for evergreen to semi-persistent foliage depending on climate or deciduous habit. Thick, leathery leaves from 0.5 mm to 12 cm long, alternate, entire, ovate or elliptical, are medium to dark glossy or matt green above and often greyish green with a felted underside. Cotoneaster adpressus bears undulate leaves. Some varieties such as Cotoneaster horizontalis Variegatus show cream-variegated foliage.

Leaves are pale green at bud burst period, darken with time and turn yellow, deep purplish red or orange-red in autumn for some forms before falling. Deciduous forms show more colourful autumn foliage.

White or sometimes pink flowers appear on this dense foliage at late spring, from May to July depending on climate. Bush is dusted with many small simple 5-petalled flowers, usually white or sometimes pink, solitary or grouped in small clusters. They are fragrant and very melliferous, attracting pollinators. This bush is appreciated for its value to garden wildlife.

In September–October, this flowering is followed by highly decorative fruiting that enhances the bush’s appeal. Clusters of small fleshy round or ovoid fruits 1 to 10 mm long, red, vermilion, orange or deep purplish black in Cotoneaster lucidus dot the foliage. “Coral Beauty” bears bright coral-orange berries, Cotoneaster franchetii has salmon berries, and some less common cultivars produce yellow drupes.

This abundance of shiny fruits sometimes persists well into winter on the branches, delighting birds and adding colour to the garden in cold season.

Fruits are not edible and are toxic if eaten in large quantities.

Cotoneaster is a very accommodating bush that adapts to all exposures, climates and soils.

It is a robust and hardy plant to -25 °C that can be grown in all regions. It tolerates severe winters and occasional drought once established. It will prosper in sun or partial shade in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil, even stony.

Cotoneaster is a must-have bush in a garden, whether tended by a gardener or managed in a naturalistic way. It is perfect in a mixed, bocage, country or clipped hedge. Evergreen erect species provide a quick screen of greenery to hide an intrusive view. Creeping cotoneaster makes an excellent groundcover.

It can also be trained against a wall or grown as bonsai. Some small forms can be cultivated in containers on a terrace and will offer cascades of greenery.

Cotoneaster grown as bonsai

Species and main varieties

Nearly 200 species of Cotoneasters are counted, ranging from bush species to groundcover species. Choice is wide for every garden! All are undemanding, hardy and easy to grow, producing a profusion of flowers, colourful decorative berries or brilliant autumn foliage.

Only a few species are commonly grown in our gardens: Cotoneaster franchetii, Cotoneaster dammeri, Cotoneaster horizontalis and Cotoneaster lacteus, which are available as interesting cultivars and hybrids that differ in mature height, habit and deciduous or evergreen foliage.

Main species grown in gardens: 1 Cotoneaster franchetii, 2 Cotoneaster dammeri, 3 Cotoneaster horizontalis and 4 Cotoneaster lacteus

Depending on species, their habit is very variable from upright to slightly trailing or entirely prostrate. Height can range from a few tens of centimetres to 4–5 m.

Choose Cotoneaster franchetii and Cotoneaster lacteus to form a hedge 2 to 3 m high, Cotoneaster horizontalis is a giant creeping species ideal for a low hedge along a wall, and Cotoneaster dammeri makes an excellent groundcover.

Alongside these common species, we offer a range of rarer cotoneasters well worth considering, such as Cotoneaster adpressus, a small deciduous species with a prostrate habit that forms a remarkably dense groundcover, and Cotoneaster lucidus, which quickly creates a dense hedge that turns lovely shades of yellow to reddish‑purple in autumn.

Most popular

Our favourites

Other interesting varieties

Cotoneaster horizontalis

Good groundcover to dress slopes and rockeries, can even be trained against a wall. Notable for branches arranged in a fishbone pattern

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster franchetii

Foliage is evergreen to semi‑evergreen depending on climate. Grows well as specimen, in shrub beds, as informal or clipped hedge, in borders and as groundcover

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster dammeri Eichholz

Vigorous evergreen groundcover bush with strong growth, prospers even on poor slopes

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 35 cm

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster microphyllus

Ideal groundcover for dressing a slope, a rockery or a low wall.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster lacteus - Milky Cotoneaster

Vigorous evergreen bush, often used in hedging but suits virtually all situations!

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster horizontalis Variegatus

Smaller and less vigorous than the typical species and, with its magnificent variegated foliage, makes a good groundcover to dress slopes and rockeries

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 45 cm

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster suecicus Coral Beauty

Magnificent groundcover variety forming a compact dome studded with coral‑orange fruits, perfect for covering banks and slopes!

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster procumbens Queen of Carpets

We love this groundcover bush forming a low dark‑green carpet with white flowers followed by bright red fruits, much sought after for covering slopes and forming low hedges

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster lucidus

A Cotoneaster still rarely planted in our gardens, yet much appreciated for its lovely autumn colours and decorative fruit set; often used in hedges

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster adpressus Little Gem

This cotoneaster is distinguished by a compact, dense habit, but also by the near absence of flowers and fruit

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 25 cm

See the product sheet

 

Planting

Where to plant Cotoneaster?

Cotoneaster is an undemanding bush that will grow in almost any conditions and content itself with little. Hardy down to -25 °C, it can be cultivated in all regions, even those with very severe winters. It also tolerates occasional drought very well once well established. Only the large evergreen species need protection from cold, drying winds in areas where temperatures can remain below -10 °C for long periods.

Although it will tolerate light shade and will grow well even in a shaded corner of the garden, for optimal flowering and fruiting, plant Cotoneaster preferably in a sunny position. It grows in any type of soil, even calcareous or rocky. It only requires a well-drained soil as it dislikes heavy, waterlogged clay in winter.

Cotoneaster lends itself to all uses; its size and habit determine its purpose. It suits all garden styles.

In a newly planted garden, it quickly forms a screen or cushion of greenery.

Evergreen or deciduous, creeping cotton-easters (Cotoneaster microphylla, Cotoneaster dammeri) and medium-sized varieties make excellent groundcover and can green slopes and difficult areas. Their ability to layer naturally makes them an excellent solution to stabilise embankments. They are also perfect at the base of a large hedge or in a rockery. Their very dense vegetation limits weed growth.

Upright forms, of large size (Cotoneaster lacteus, Cotoneaster franchetii) are suitable for free-standing or clipped hedges. These cotoneasters are ideal for creating an evergreen hedge, brightening a somewhat shaded corner of the garden or quickly forming a visual screen from neighbours.

Some, with a trailing habit, make very attractive specimen bushes when trained as single-stem trees; they will then need a sufficiently large spot. With its pliant branches, Cotoneaster horizontalis can be trained easily against a wall.

Dwarf forms (Cotoneaster procumbens ‘Queen of Carpets’) will find their place in a pot on a terrace to delineate spaces, for example, or can be treated as bonsai. They can be paired with dwarf conifers or other small bushes such as creeping juniper, Euonymus or Forsythia.

When to plant Cotoneaster?

Cotoneaster is best planted in autumn from September to November to encourage root development. Spring planting in March–April is possible for all subjects purchased in containers. In all cases, plant after severe frosts have passed.

How to plant Cotoneaster?

Cotoneaster is not demanding, so planting is very straightforward. It needs good drainage; its roots dislike stagnant moisture, with around twenty centimetres of free-draining material at the bottom of the planting hole.

In open ground

• Soak rootball if it is very dry
• Dig a hole at least three times the volume of the rootball
• Add pozzolana or gravel if necessary to improve drainage
• Plant and bring soil back around the rootball without burying the branches
• Firm soil down with the foot
• Spread an organic mulch to keep roots cool in summer
• Water thoroughly at planting then regularly during the first summer

Planting density

One plant may be enough to create an attractive effect, especially for taller varieties and when mixed with other bushes, however, Cotoneasters are particularly striking when planted in groups of three of the same variety.

For a hedge, allow a spacing of about 80 cm to 1 m between each plant.

Lower, stoloniferous varieties are perfect for covering a slope where they will spread over the years. For a densely filled slope throughout winter, favour evergreen species and plant in groups (allow 3 to 5 plants per m2).

In a pot

Planting in pots is common, in a container of around thirty litres filled with a mix of potting compost, garden soil and river sand, with a good layer of clay balls for perfect drainage. Water regularly, without excess.

Pruning and care of cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is an easy bush that requires no particular maintenance.

It needs water only in very hot weather and especially in dry conditions during the year following planting to encourage good root establishment. Once well rooted, it becomes drought-tolerant. A few summer waterings will be sufficient even during prolonged drought. Potted cotoneaster has increased water needs: water as soon as soil is dry at the surface.

Most cotoneasters do not require regular pruning but benefit from being cut back from time to time. They tolerate pruning well and can even be severely pruned in early spring if necessary.

They only need a balancing pruning to keep a compact habit; this encourages generous flowering and fruiting, produces dense foliage and can stimulate new shoots on a bare trunk. They can easily be trained as small standard trees by cutting the lower branches. Some creeping species naturally layer and can colonise any space without limit. It is therefore better to monitor their spread.

• Deciduous cotoneaster requires only minimal pruning to maintain a balanced shape. In February–March, after leaf fall and before growth resumes, simply cut back damaged branch tips and remove wayward or tangled shoots. Also remove dead wood.
• Evergreen cotoneaster only needs formative pruning during the first two years, in early spring or after flowering to balance the bush. Remove the longer branches.

Trim cotoneaster hedges lightly in late summer, cutting stems back as close to the fruit as possible without removing them.

The branches of espaliered specimens are pruned each year after flowering or in late winter to a maximum of 4 buds from the base of the shoots.

→ Also read Ingrid’s tutorial: How to train a Cotoneaster?

Cotoneaster horizontalis trained against a wall

Possible diseases and pests

Cotoneaster is a bush hardy and fairly disease-resistant. However, like all plants in the Rosaceae family, its main enemy is fire blight, which dries out the bush within weeks and for which there is no cure. If attacked, prevent spread of the bacterium by removing affected parts and burning its stump. Root rot is also a disease risk, especially in very wet soils.

It may also suffer in spring and summer, occasional attacks by aphids and mealybugs, which can be dealt with by spraying soapy water. Less often, it may be attacked by defoliating caterpillars, which are harder to control.

→ Find out more about Cotoneaster diseases and parasites in our advice sheet.

Multiplication

Cotoneaster multiplies easily by propagation by cuttings, layering or sowing, propagation by cuttings being the quickest and simplest method.

Propagation by cuttings

Semi-ripe cuttings are taken in September for evergreen cotoneasters (take advantage of pruning season). In May–June, take herbaceous cuttings from deciduous species.

• Take cuttings 10–15 cm long from shoot tips, preferably with a heel at the base
• Make a 5 cm-long lengthwise cut in the bark
• Remove lower leaves, leaving only two pairs of upper leaves
• Plant them about 7 cm deep in a well-draining mix of sand and potting compost
• Keep mix moist until cuttings are rooted under cold frame
• Pot up cuttings, then plant out in ground in autumn or following spring
• Water well during first year after planting

→ Learn more about propagation of Cotoneaster in our tutorial !

Companion plants for cotoneaster

Excellent bush with evergreen or deciduous foliage, the Cotoneaster forms beautiful country hedges, clipped hedges or privacy screens and effective groundcovers that require little maintenance and punctuate the seasons with their changing colours. Pinkish-white early summer flowers, shiny colourful fruits in autumn and winter, and the lovely hues the foliage takes on in autumn make Cotoneaster essential in all gardens. Versatile, this bush adapts to all uses in a naturalistic or wild garden and combines easily with perennial plants or with other deciduous or evergreen bushes that will highlight leaf colours.

In a sunny situation, it will be easy to combine with Deutzia, mock orange, botanical roses, Japanese kerria, spiraeas, potentillas and perennial plants such as columbines, geraniums or foxgloves. Interweaving its foliage with a climbing plant such as a clematis or a dwarf honeysuckle will cheer it in summer.

It will stand out against a backdrop of plants with contrasting shapes such as Japanese maples, euonymus, Nandina, berrying hollies, barberries. Bamboos and miscanthus will form a beautiful evergreen backdrop for Cotoneaster’s brightly coloured fruits while a Cornus alba ‘Baton Rouge’ will echo the colour of its berries so graphic on the naked stems. It works wonders in an informal hedge, paired with viburnums, lilacs or serviceberries for example.

In autumn, Cotoneaster’s fruit-laden stems and the amber leaves of an Aronia will offer a flamboyant pairing.

In a large evergreen hedge, planted en masse along an avenue, it pairs with many other easy-to-grow bushes, such as laurustinus, Pyracantha, strawberry tree, bay laurel, viburnums, Elaeagnus ebbingei and Photinia.

The Cotoneaster horizontalis ‘Variegatus’ can be paired with bushes with variegated foliage such as Aucuba, Cornus alternifolia ‘Argentea’ and Rhamnus alaternus Argenteovariegata.

As a groundcover, beneath large deciduous trees, it will provide pockets of evergreen greenery all winter when trees have lost their leaves. On slopes, the creeping Cotoneaster can be associated with creeping dogwoods, creeping Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’, Euonymus ‘Emerald Gaiety’, Berberis thunbergii Atropurpurea ‘Nana’ and Forsythia intermedia ‘Marée d’or’, a Ceanothus ‘Thyrsiflorus Repens’.

Idea for dressing a bank, attractive all year round: Cotoneaster horizontalis variegatus, Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’, Cornus sericea ‘Kelseyi’ and Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea ‘Nana’

It can also be grown in large containers on a terrace or a large balcony with dwarf conifers or other small bushes to create evergreen privacy screens.